Veteran badminton player Eddy Choong dies

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Veteran badminton player Datuk Eddy Choong Ewe Beng died at a private hospital here at 3pm today. He was 83.

Choong, who won the men's singles title of the All-England championship four times in the 1950s, was admitted to the hospital a month ago, according to family who said they would be calling a press conference at 6pm today.

In KUALA LUMPUR, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) general manager Kenny Goh said he was informed of Choong's death by the latter's family members.

"It is saddening news and a big loss for the badminton fraternity. BAM and I extend our condolences to his family," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Besides winning the All-England in 1953, 1954, 1956 dan 1957. Choong was also a member of the national team which won the Thomas Cup in 1955. Malaysia lost the prestigious Cup to Indonesia in the following edition in 1958.